Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Monday, 17 June 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Invitees at the stage
Dignitaries on top of the keel laying platform
Pilot launch
On 11 June, Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC) laid the keels to auspiciously commence shipbuilding work on two pilot launches as per an agreement signed with Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on 1 February. The contract was signed after CDPLC successfully won the international tender for the said project.
This keel laying ceremony marked the commencement of hull construction work of the two pilot launches and the auspicious occasion was graced by Minister of Ports and Shipping and Southern Development Sagala Ratnayaka, Ministry of Ports and Shipping and Southern Development Secretary Admiral S.S. Ranasinghe, SLPA Chairman Kavan Ratnayake, Department of Merchant Shipping Director General Ajith Seneviratne, SLPA Managing Director Captain Athula Hewavitharana, SLPA Additional Managing Director Upali de Zoysa, SLPA Director Operations Jayantha Perera, SLPA Harbour Master Capt. Nirmal Silva and several other distinguished guests from SLPA and Lloyds Register Business Development Manager (South Asia) Anil Kumar offered their blessings for the project.
Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd. Japan President T. Nakabe, CDPLC Chairman H. Tanaka, CDPLC Vice Chairman Sarath De Costa, CDPLC MD/CEO D.V. Abeysinghe, CDPLC Director K. Kanaya, CDPLC Technical Advisor Yusihiro Saki, General Manager (Shipbuilding) Lal Hettiarachchi, General Manager (New Construction) Thimira Godakumbura and a host of other senior management and staff representing Colombo Dockyard participated at this momentous occasion.
The 19m pilot launch is a proven design developed by MACDUFF of Scotland. The pilot launch will serve to transport pilots from shore to ship. The pilot launch can accommodate a total number of eight persons including four crew members and four pilots and it can achieve a service speed around 22 knots.
The pilot launch is designed to hold a high degree of stability and comfort in all weather conditions and these pilot launches will provide a stable platform during embarking and disembarking pilots. The pilot launches shall be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and equipment developed for this type of launches worldwide, which are of proven type with high dependability, durability and suitability for the intended purpose.
By building the pilot launches in Sri Lanka, SLPA helps develop the economy of the country by developing the local shipbuilding industry. The local ventures such as CDPLC generate large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities and develop the skills and technical knowhow of the local workmen and help save on valuable foreign exchange.
CDPLC operates in joint collaboration with Onomichi Dockyard Company Ltd. of Japan who owns a stake of 51% at Colombo Dockyard PLC while Sri Lankan Government institutions have a 35% shareholding at Colombo Dockyard.
As the leader of shipbuilding industry in Sri Lanka, CDPLC continuously proves its excellence by successfully securing shipbuilding projects both local and worldwide. Currently, CDPLC is building a 113 m Cable Laying Vessel for Japan and a 60 m Buoy Tender Vessel and a 50 m Pilot Station Vessel for Iraq.
CDPLC is the front runner of Sri Lankan industrialisation and is one of the main contributors to the Government’s National Export Strategy from the shipbuilding sector.
